If you’re constantly worried about bad breath, you are not alone. Bad breath (halitosis) can be embarrassing and distracting for you and others around you. Deducing the most likely cause of your bad breath will help determine what you can do to prevent it.
The most common causes of bad breath are greatly reduced saliva flow during sleep (morning breath), certain foods (such as garlic, onions, and peppers), poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, tobacco use, dieting, dehydration, and some medical conditions (including sinus infections and diabetes). Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the first thing to start doing, if you are not already in the habit. Brushing after every meal is even better, if you can. If you can’t brush, chewing sugar-free gum after you eat can loosen food particles from between your teeth and increase the flow of saliva. Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue makes a big difference in how clean your mouth feels and smells. If you wear dentures, remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning. Toothbrushes should be replaced every couple months.
Breaking a tobacco habit (smoking or chewing) will significantly improve your oral health and the way your breath smells. Ask us about ways we suggest to help break a tobacco habit. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet also keeps your mouth moist and free of bad bacteria. Mouth rinses can help, too, but ask us which rinses actually kill the germs that cause bad breath, because some only mask odor as a temporary solution.
When bad breath is a symptom of a larger bacterial problem in your mouth, Dr. Mughal can help. If he finds that your mouth is healthy, he may refer you to your physician for further consultation and more comprehensive treatment.
According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, about 80 percent of U.S. adults currently have some form of gum disease, ranging from gingivitis to serious periodontal disease. The prevalence of gum disease increases with age, because as we age our teeth wear down, our gums naturally recede, and medications can affect oral changes. If your gums feel tender or look red and swollen, you could be at risk for gum disease. Other signs include bleeding and/or receding gums, sensitive or even loose teeth, and persistent bad breath.
If you have any symptoms of gum disease, the first thing to do is get a thorough dental evaluation. Dr. Mughal strongly believes that healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth and body. Gum disease used to require surgery more often than not, and while surgery is still an option, many cases can be treated first with deep cleanings, local antibiotics, and special rinses. Please come in and let us help you achieve and maintain healthier gums for a healthier you.
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause dental fillings to wear away, chip, and even crack as time passes. If the seal between the tooth enamel and the filling breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Untreated decay can progress to deeply infect the tooth and even cause an abscess and/or eventual loss of the tooth.
When restorations are large, or if recurrent decay is extensive, there might not be enough remaining tooth structure to support a replacement filling. In these cases, we may need to replace the filling with a natural looking porcelain crown.
Biannual teeth cleanings performed by a skilled dental hygienist are central to keeping teeth and gums looking, feeling, and functioning well. During cleanings, plaque and calculus (more commonly known as tartar) are removed from teeth. Plaque is a sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria grow, and tartar is basically calcified plaque that is more difficult to remove. When tartar builds up under the gumline, more extensive treatment than a standard cleaning is needed to remove it and help ensure healthier gums. Hygienists also polish and floss teeth, documenting any bleeding and areas of concern that were noted during the cleaning.
Dental exams with Dr. Mughal help us diagnose and treat problems before they become more painful and expensive. A typical exam includes a visual assessment of teeth and occlusion (bite), along with an appraisal of current restorations. When x-rays have been taken, Dr. Mughal will carefully review them to identify areas of decay and other possible areas of concern for cysts, tumors, and other disorders of the mouth. He will also perform a general screening for gum disease and oral cancer.
In between cleanings and exams at a dental office, brushing your teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and at night) is the most important thing you can do to take care of your oral health.
Studies have shown that a healthy and attractive smile can raise self-esteem, increase confidence, and help you make better first impressions on others. Sometimes it doesn’t take much treatment to feel MUCH better about your smile, and we offer a variety of subtle yet noticeable ways to enhance your smile. There are also more significant treatments and combinations of treatments (often called “smile makeovers”) that can give you the smile of your dreams.
While there is no true “specialist” association for cosmetic dentistry, there are a number of organizations with advanced training and awards associated with cosmetic dentistry. Some dentists place greater emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, especially those with an exceptionally artistic eye and enjoyment for cosmetic procedures.
Advancements in dental technology have made it possible for dentists to address a wide variety of issues affecting smile appearance. Some common cosmetic dentistry treatments include teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding and enamel shaping, porcelain veneers, bridges, and orthodontic solutions. Replacing old amalgam (silver) fillings with tooth-colored fillings can also be considered cosmetic in nature, as it is done to improve both the health and appearance of teeth. Really, all dental treatment aimed to improve the appearance of your teeth, gum shape, and smile can be considered cosmetic in nature.
Smoking affects your entire mouth, especially your gums. Lighting up stains your teeth, causes bad breath, and promotes the buildup of plaque and tartar. Cigarette smoking is also one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Worst of all, smoking has been linked to the development of periodontal disease and may lead to the loss of taste and smell. Smokers also tend to require more dental treatment as a result of the damage done by smoking. Surgical procedures such as dental implants and root canals can be less successful in smokers due to damaged gum tissue. This results in a higher cost of dental healthcare and often more frequent (and complicated) treatment.
Pipes and cigars aren't any safer, causing similar rates of tooth and bone loss even if the smoke is not inhaled. Smokeless tobacco products like snuff and chewing tobacco also pose great health risks to your gums, increasing your risk for both oral cancer and cancers of the throat, esophagus and lips. Additionally, they contain a significant amount of sugar, which when pressed against your teeth for long periods of time can lead to tooth decay.
So what’s the verdict on tobacco? Seek help on how to quit using, or just don’t start.
Dental crowns cover teeth to restore them to their appropriate shape and size after large fillings, fractures, and/or weakening forces such as intense grinding. In all of these cases, crowns not only cover teeth but provide added support as well. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, cover dental implants, restore seriously discolored or misshapen teeth, and even as a preventive measure to protect a tooth in danger of breaking. Crowns can be made of all-porcelain (ceramic) material, porcelain fused to metal (for added strength), gold alloys (high noble), or base metal alloys (non-noble). Each of these restorative materials has its advantages and disadvantages. All-porcelain restorations most closely mimic natural tooth appearance. Their strength depends on adequate porcelain thickness, thus this material requires more extensive preparation. Porcelain fused to metal alloy restorations are tooth-colored and stronger than all-porcelain crowns. Gold alloy crowns are very strong and wear resistant. They are well tolerated in terms of biocompatibility, but metal colors do not match natural teeth. Base metal alloy crowns are similar to gold for strength and durability. However, allergy to the non-noble base metals may be an issue with some patients.
Crowns can be placed in as few as two appointments. For porcelain crowns, properly matching the aesthetics of teeth can take more visits but the natural looking cosmetic results are worth it to most patients. Crowns are generally very strong restorations, and if a crown is placed before a tooth fractures it can usually preempt the need for a root canal. A crown can also prevent a tooth from becoming so damaged or decayed that it needs to be removed, which would require a bridge or implant for restoration.
Due to normal wear and tear, most crowns will eventually need to be re-cemented or replaced. Six to nine percent of teeth that are damaged enough to need a crown may someday need a root canal.
Metal braces can be a hassle and can take between two to three years of treatment to fully realign your teeth. Clear and removable braces can help you achieve the smile of your dreams without the metal bars and brackets.
Invisalign® and ClearCorrect™ utilize a series of custom-made plastic trays called aligners that are replaced every two weeks to straighten your teeth step by step. The aligners are comfortable for the sensitive tissues of your gums and cheeks, and they're conveniently removable so you can eat and brush your teeth normally. Because the aligners are made from a transparent plastic material, clear braces are hardly noticeable. Most people won’t even know you're wearing braces!
Aligner therapy is a great option for patients with moderately crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbites, crossbites, and underbites. If you're ready for straighter teeth, ask Dr. Mughal about your treatment possibilities. A beautiful new smile could be closer than you think!
Accidents happen, and especially when they involve our teeth and mouths they can be pretty frightening. It's important to know when home care will suffice and when a trip to the dentist is necessary, so here are some guidelines to help you through common situations:
Rinse with warm water to remove any food or debris; if you notice anything lodged between teeth, floss to remove it. Take an over the counter pain medication (but never apply the medication directly to tooth or gums), and see your dentist if the pain persists.
Save the pieces, if you can, and rinse them thoroughly. Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the swollen lip or gum tissue near the chipped tooth to prevent swelling. If the area is bleeding, apply gauze for ten minutes, or until the bleeding has stopped. See your dentist as soon as possible.
With recent advancements in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, you might not lose your tooth. If there’s enough remaining healthy tooth structure, a dentist can create a crown that will “grab onto” your natural tooth, eliminating the need for root removal. While the success of this process, known as “crown lengthening,” depends on the severity of the break, it’s worth asking about options other than complete removal.
Depending on the situation, find the tooth and, holding it by the crown only, rinse it briefly with warm water. If possible, gently reinsert the tooth into the socket and bite down on gauze or cloth to keep it in place. If you cannot reinsert it, place it in a container of milk or salt-water. See your dentist as soon as possible—if treated within 2 hours, the tooth may be salvaged.
Soft tissues such as gums, cheeks, lips, and the tongue tend to bleed heavily, only because the tissue contains a great deal of blood flow. To control the bleeding, first rinse with a warm, mild salt water solution. Apply pressure with gauze or a moistened towel for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, to reduce swelling and help stop residual bleeding, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. In the event of a serious soft tissue injury, in which the bleeding is profuse or the damage is visibly traumatic, it's best to stay calm, keep applying pressure, and go to the emergency room.
While having diabetes does not automatically put your dental health at risk, it does make you more susceptible to certain conditions. Uncontrolled diabetes causes high glucose levels in saliva, which can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth and increase the risk of cavities. Diabetes also reduces the body’s resistance to infection, which can make an individual more likely to develop illnesses such as gingivitis or even gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis, which is an early form of periodontal disease, are red, sore, receding, or bleeding gums; if you notice these to any degree, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist. Other, less serious, problems that can occur include thrush (a treatable infection in the tongue and cheeks), ulcers, and dry mouth. Interestingly enough, this connection is a two-way street. For patients with severe gum disease, the infection in the gums can affect the blood glucose levels and the immune system, actually increasing the overall risk of developing diabetes.
If you have diabetes, you know the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Smoking can be particularly damaging to diabetics, as it causes excess dryness and damage to the gum tissue. Ultimately, the most important factor is blood sugar. If you keep your diabetes under control with a healthy lifestyle and maintain good oral hygiene through regular check-ups, diabetes won't get the best of your smile.
Dr. Mughal and our team work hard to stay on the leading-edge of restorative dentistry. If you or someone you love struggles with ill-fitting, uncomfortable dentures or a retainer with false teeth, we have a permanent solution. Dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred method of tooth replacement, and they can give your smile a second chance! Implants are useful in denture stabilization and can also be used in conjunction with crowns, bridges, and in single-tooth replacements.
Dental implants are not only more durable and longer-lasting than traditional tooth replacements, but they also look and feel more like natural teeth. Most importantly, they function like natural teeth, so you can smile with confidence and eat the foods you love again. Because the implant procedure allows for more of your healthy tooth structure to be saved, implants can even prevent further bone loss.
Many patients suffering from advanced tooth decay, root canal failure, trauma to the mouth, or just extreme natural wear and tear on teeth are benefiting from this revolutionary option in restorative dentistry. However, there are still some things to consider before you decide on dental implants. For example, they are best performed after adolescence, when the teeth and jaw bone are fully developed. Additionally, the implant procedure can be more complicated for individuals with gum disease, active diabetes, immune deficiencies, and for patients who smoke. To ensure that you get the treatment that’s right for you, keep Dr. Mughal and his team informed and up-to-date about your entire medical history and dental habits.
X-rays, also known as radiographs, are commonly used in dental exams of patients of all ages. Panoramic x-rays provide a complete overview of all the teeth as well as the roots, upper and lower jawbones, sinuses, and other hard surfaces in the mouth. Many problems with teeth and the surrounding tissues cannot be seen when we visually examine your mouth. An x-ray examination is needed to reveal:
We use digital x-rays in our careful diagnosis and screening procedures. If it’s been a while since your last dental x-rays, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the comfort, speed and safety of digital technology. Because digital x-rays don’t require any chemical processing, the images are available on your computer screen within seconds and you don’t have to bite down on sharp pieces of x-ray film. Even better, some studies suggest that digital x-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than conventional x-rays.
You have many options when it comes to whitening your teeth, and depending on your schedule and your expectations, Dr. Mughal can help you decide which is best for you. Zoom!® in-office whitening uses a special gel and light to brighten your smile up to 8 shades in just three 15-minute sessions. Watch TV, listen to music, or just relax, and after about 45 minutes you’ll leave our office with a dazzling new smile. We also offer custom-made take-home kits that let you enjoy professional strength teeth whitening in the comfort of your own home.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of whitening and bleaching methods. Some products, including certain whitening toothpastes and professional home whitening kits, have been evaluated and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). While having the ADA seal of acceptance is a good sign, many safe and effective products don't have an ADA seal simply because their manufacturers did not seek one.
The most common side effects of teeth-whitening—both the in-office and take-home varieties—are teeth and gum sensitivity. This sensitivity is usually temporary, and should subside soon after you've stopped using the product. Whitening is not recommended for children under 16, as their teeth are still developing, and is also not recommended for women who are pregnant.
Each day, foods and acids feed bacteria in your mouth, which can accumulate on your teeth to form plaque. Plaque wears away at a tooth's enamel in a process known as demineralization. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can promote the remineralization of enamel, replacing important minerals that strengthen your teeth and can protect them from tooth decay. Fluoride can also help reverse early stages of decay.
Children with newly-erupted permanent teeth benefit a great deal from fluoride exposure, but adults should make sure their teeth come into contact with it, too. The safe and easy way to ensure your teeth are getting enough fluoride is to use fluoride toothpaste, available at drugstores in a variety of types and flavors. If your dentist recommends more intense fluoride treatments, there are a number of gels, rinses, or even in-office procedures that can do the trick. Though the most fluoride is absorbed from direct contact with the teeth, many public drinking water systems contain small, safe amounts of fluoride that can have positive health effects.
If you’ve been avoiding that ice cream cone or cup of coffee because of sensitive teeth, you don't have to! Sensitivity is a common complaint, and it can occur as a result of numerous factors. Involuntary grinding, jaw clenching, gum recession, and enamel loss can all cause teeth to become extra sensitive, because the usually-protected layer of dentin (the nerve-packed surface beneath the enamel) is exposed to external stimuli. Surface irritants such as braces and teeth whitening can also cause temporary sensitivity.
Because the causes of tooth sensitivity are so diverse, and because sensitive gum tissue can indicate a more serious problem, it’s important to ask your dentist which treatment is best for you. A softer toothbrush is usually the first step, and special toothpastes can reduce sensitivity over time. There are also over-the-counter fluoride rinses to protect your enamel against further damage, and your dentist can even provide an in-office procedure to coat your teeth with a protective agent.
3851 S. Stonebridge Dr., Ste. 100 | McKinney, TX 75070 | Call Today! 214-504-9400
